The relays between Earth and Palaven had been restored early on. Political and diplomatic relations had strengthened since the reapers had been defeated and that meant aid for both planets. Even though food could not be traded, other supplies and resources were passed between the two planets in an attempt to not only improve relations, but also set the stage for future bridges to be built between the races. Shepard thought it was a beautiful exchange. It could be the beginning of a beneficial cross-species alliance that could last for centuries. Some Turians were not happy with the unity according to multiple reporting networks. It was unclear if the disagreements were founded, but it did not render any concern for action. The rumors of revolt were whispers in the wind.
Ultimately, Shepard had wondered if such tensions had anything to do with her difficulties to connect personally with the crew. Garrus had responsibilities even though they hadn't even reached Palaven; consequences of being a prestigious war hero.
Garrus refused to give her any tangible tasks which led her to decide what to do with her time. After she had spoken to Chakwas- a nagging feeling lingered inside her. She had to do something about it. Stewing in it while lounging on the bed wasn't helping, so she found herself in the cargo bay.
The space of the bay was left empty- a perfect place for her to break Chakwas's rules.
Stretching was a lot easier than it used to be- she felt much more alive. It wasn't long before the cargo bay was filled with exerted breathing rhythms. Strong and co-ordinated movements made up her exercise routine.
She knew Chakwas would disapprove of the activity, but what else was she supposed to do? She was getting antsy. Her desire to see some action filled her veins when she got worked up. At least she found an outlet to exert such desire without having to be in a firefight.
Her adrenaline pumped with each fist she thrust into the air. She managed to do pushups pretty well, despite the strain she could feel in her shoulders. The squats burned her leg muscles a lot more than she remembered, but at least she was mobile enough to do them in the first place. Little less than an hour later, she collapsed to the metal floor in exhaustion. A sigh left her body while she relieved her trapped and swollen feet from her socks and shoes.
She laid there for a while, panting and staring at the dark ceiling. Her thoughts lamented over the loss of strength in her body. It wasn't enough to say that she felt the weakening of only her physical strength. There was one other time when she had felt like this- waking up after the Lazarus project. She had lost herself and had to adapt to the changes back then, but the emotional pain was no different.
December 26th, 2187
17:23- that was the time when Garrus left the dining hall with a plate of levo food. She hadn't come to dinner- again. He couldn't decide whether or not to bring it up, but for now the issue was left unadressed.
Garrus sat the plate of food on the desk in their quarters and had to go back to work. They would reach Palaven later in the evening- and then he would meet with the primarch.
The planet still smoldered. The patches that once blazed red and orange were now embers of what it used to be. The view outside the command center window was breathtaking.
Garrus had already filled out a status report to his superiors and he was ready to do something more productive. While he stood at his station his omni-tool lit up. Grimacing at the listed contact- he accepted the call and his father addressed him on the other end.
"Did you heed my advice?" A silence fell. "Well, I'll take that as a no."
"She'll be fine. You underestimate her." Garrus retorted sharply.
"It's not that I underestimate her. I have much respect for her. What concerns me is your lack of discretion in balancing work and other commitments."
Garrus was tired of hearing his father's many criticisms- especially when it came to his relationship with Thalassa. Though, he could not deny that his father's concerns were warranted.
"Look, dad. I appreciate your concern, but she wanted to come. I intend to do everything I can to protect her, so you have no reason to hound me." Garrus had a hard time keeping his tone level and cool.
"Son, you know I cannot ignore how you have dismissed your family. It is easy to transfer that to your relationship with your mate if you aren't careful. If you need a place to live, you are always welcome to stay with us."
"Whatever you say. I have to go." The blip of the call ending rang in his ear and the words of his father fluttered around in his mind. After the reapers, Castis had gone back to Cipritine on Palaven to advise the Turian hierarchy in managing the increase of criminal activity. Garrus met both Castis and Solana to reconcile with them and catch up on some lost time right after the collector base was destroyed. Since then, his father has inserted his opinions and 'advice' into Garrus' affairs.
It wasn't long before the ship arrived at a port in Cipritine. Shepard appeared as the ship docked- lingering nearby with her arms crossed. Garrus met her gaze, mandibles clasped ridgedly against his face. "Are you ready?" The woman smiled and shifted her weight. "As I'll ever be."
"Come on."
They went to the airlock and he revealed a large tough box from a storage unit.
"Your cabin yielded quite a bit of equipment. Including this." His talons worked to undo the clasps on the case and he opened it.
She couldn't believe her eyes. The smile that formed on her face made Garrus puff with pride.
A metallic set of black N7 armor with red accents was neatly bundled inside the box.
"Let's get you suited up."